Military to probe torture allegations

Military to probe torture allegations

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has pledged to
investigate allegations that soldiers tortured detained members
of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), vowing to come down hard on
anyone guilty of such actions.

U.S.-based Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday members of the
TNI were torturing imprisoned GAM members.

"We have yet to investigate the allegations," said TNI
spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoedin, adding that his office
would sue the rights organization if the allegations proved
false.

The investigation team will be led by Military Police chief
Maj. Gen. Ruchian, who will be assisted by the head of the
military's legal department, Maj. Gen. F.X. Sukirman.

Human Rights Watch alleged that suspected GAM members and
sympathizers were routinely subject to electric shocks, cigarette
burns, beatings, and other forms of torture by security forces.
--JP